RST 351 Semester Schedule, Spring 2000

        This schedule is based upon an "as-needed" concept of learning which allows for flexibility and student input
        for the course.  Thus,   the schedule will be developed in sections or modules as the study progresses in order
        to best meet the needs of the learners, the learning process and to allow the professor to mentor the learners
        in the most significant directions and ways of learning.  This method of learning is, therefore, learner or student-
        centered, active, experiential, collaborative,  interactive, creative and critically reflective/contemplative,
        and downright enjoyable. This schedule is organic and alive with possibilities. Assignments will be found listed here.

  Please monitor that  your email is working (empty your trash file regularly) and check your email regularly.

Week 1:      Introduction; What is religion?
1/10            Meaning of place, space, self, spiritual, sacred, literature
                  Dakota, Norris 1 - 77;  See Lemmon, South Dakota and Kathleen Norris & the Cloister
Week 2:      Norris 78 - 220;  Read Kathleen Norris on "The Farmer's Wife"
1/17            What is the "sacred"?
                  Course Journal to begin by 1/21
                  [withdrawal period, 1/18 - 3/17]
Week 3:       Learning to Love, Merton, 3 - 126
1/24             Virtually visit Gethsemani Abbey   /   About Thomas Merton   /   Thomas Merton

Week 4:        Merton 127 - 251
1/31              Firewatch   /   The Merton Collection
                    Article:"Thomas Merton:  The Rediscovered Geography of an American Mystic"

Week 5:        Merton 251 - 367
2/7                In-class group essay on Merton submitted to class list on 2/10
                    Group Project Guidelines (Essay & Presentation in week 10)

Week 6:        Dillard Reader / Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Dillard 281 - 331
2/14              The Mysticism of Annie Dillard
                    No class on 2/15 to work on Group Project

Week 7:        Dillard  331 - 424
2/21              The Ecotheology of Annie Dillard   /   Annie Dillard WWW Site

Week 8:        Holy the Firm, Dillard 427 - 455
2/28              Essay on Holy the Firm due 2/28

                    No class on 3/2 to work on Group Project

Week 9:        The Other Side of the Mountain, Merton: Intro & pp. 3 - 113
3/6                Mid-semester Evaluations due to mentor's email March 6 - 7
                    No class on 3/9 to work on Group Project
                    Group Project Essays due on class list 3/10-12

Week 10:      Merton     /  The Thomas Merton Center
3/13              Group Presentations 3/14, 16
                    Individual essays evaluating the collaborative process of the Group Project (300 words) to be sent
                                          to the mentor's email between no later than 3/17
                    [last day to drop an individual course: 3/17]

Spring Vacation March 19 - 26
                                             
Week 11:     Merton 117 - 253
3/27             Abbot of Gethsemani on the 30th Anniversary of Merton's death (Dec. 10, 1999)

Week 12:     Merton 253 - 329
4/3
                   The Violent Bear It Away, O'Connor:  Part One
                   Mary Flannery O'Connor   /   O'Connor Links
                   Final, Individual Essay Guidelines

Week 13:     O'Connor, Parts Two & Three
4/10

Week 14:     Cross Creek, Rawlings
4/17             Marjorie Rawlings' Home   /   Rawlings State Historical Site
                   Journal due 4/20
Week 15:     Rawlings
4/24             Final Essay Rough Draft due 4/24 to mentor's email
                   No Class on 4/27 to work on essay revision

           The Final Essay, in its revised form, is due to the mentor's email by noon, May 1st.

            Also due at the same time as the final essay, is the Self-reflective, self-evaluation essay on the
            learning process in this course of study. The Final Essay and the Self-reflection Essay are to be
            submitted together in a single email.  Thank you.

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